We are envied our rocks here at Rural Rootz but they can be a frustrating challenge when it comes time for spring cleanup.

When we had 18 propagating beds, we covered them with shade cloth during the summer. In the winter the cloth was stored in the Pottle. One year as the autumn leaves were beginning to drop, I suggested to Tom that we should use the shade cloth to act as a barrier preventing the leaves from lodging in the rocks of the dry river bed.

This process worked so well and was such a time saver, back saver and did not take much time to install in the fall. It meant we no longer dreaded picking the leaves out of the rocks come spring . . . there were none!

This works well on small ponds!We drain our ponds and line them with shade cloth to stop the leaves from collecting in the catch basins.

Many small changes to eating habits add up to large gains in health benefits.

Dee Cherrie Ashman

I do not use any store bought oil and vinegar salad dressing.

With the use of herbs it is possible to start changing eating habits in a subtle way. Eliminate the quantities of salt and the use of heavy dressing by substituting easy to make herbal blends.

]]>Sat, 18 Apr 2015 10:59:58 GMThttp://www.ruralrootz.com/blog/thyme

Thyme in the garden is time well spent!

Dee Cherrie Ashman

There are several varieties of thyme in the gardens of Rural Rootz. Each serves a different purpose. My personal favourite is the creeping thyme which clings relentlessly to the rocks of Hummingbird Haven. When the tiny purple/pink blossoms emerge it is like a gift from the gods.

Undemanding French Tarragon is a delight and a blessing in any garden.

Dee Cherrie Ashman

Although there are various types of tarragon, the French Tarragon has by far the superior flavour. It is best grown from cutting to ensure a proper strain. Ours is easy to propagate and easy to divide and share with friends.